EU extended economic sanctions against Russia for 6 months

Who: Economic sanctions against RussiaWhat: European Union extended it by six monthsWhen: 21 December 2015

The European Union (EU) on 21 December 2015 extended its economic sanctions against Russia for six months over its involvement in the Ukraine crisis. The 28-member body renewed the sanctions until 31 July 2016.

The sanctions target Russia’s financial, energy and defense sectors as well as some dual-use goods.

The sanctions were renewed after assessing Russia’s adherence to Minsk peace agreement in eastern Ukraine. Despite signing a cease fire deal in February 2015, Ukraine says it has still not gained control of its border with Russia. It also says that the Russian-backed rebels are not respecting the cease-fire conditions.

The United Nations has said that over 8000 people, most of them civilians have been killed in the conflict.

Besides, EU has separately imposed visa bans and asset freezes targeting several associates of President Vladimir Putin and others involved in Russia’s annexation of Crimea.